Consumer support for renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, is extremely high, according to a new report from Pike Research.
In a survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults, the cleantech market intelligence firm found that 79% of consumers have a favorable view of solar energy and 75% have a favorable view of wind energy. These two forms of energy were the top two highest-ranked in overall support.
The survey covered more than 12 energy and environmental concepts, including hybrid vehicles (which 64% of respondents viewed as ‘very favorable’ or ‘favorable’), electric cars (57%), biofuels (47%), ‘clean coal’ (47%), nuclear power (42%), smart meters (37%), carbon offsets/credits (24%), LEED certification (19%), and cap and trade (15%).
Cap and trade and nuclear power were tied in terms of the largest percentage of ‘strongly unfavorable’ or ‘somewhat unfavorable’ views from survey participants, each with a 19% unfavorable rating, followed closely by carbon offsets/credits with 18%, Pike Research adds.
SOURCE: Pike Research